The rustic appeal of a texture finish is popular with many people, but not everyone likes the rough surface. If you're one of them and want to remove texture paint, it's messy and time consuming. In some cases, it's easier to just cover up the surface with thin 1/4-inch wallboard, but that involves removing, then reinstalling, woodwork and trim. But the result is a new flat wall surface ready to paint.

The task of removing texture paint involves using a gel-type paint stripper to loosen the textured coating, then scraping it off and repairing and sanding before painting. A painting or drywall contractor will charge $267 to remove texture paint from a ceiling in a 10-by-15-foot room and make any necessary repairs to the surface. You can do the job for $55, the cost of the tools and materials, and save 79 percent. That saving is well-earned; it's a tedious and labor-intensive project. You apply the stripper to loosen the surface, scrape it off, then repair and sand the surface smooth.

To complete this project, you will need an old wide paintbrush, roller and pan, drywall knife, scraper, putty knife and drywall sanding pole with sandpaper and a finishing sander. You'll also need a respirator, chemical-resistant rubber gloves, masking tape, drop cloths, joint compound and a ladder.

PROJECT NOTES
Cost
PRO: $267
DIY: $55
Time
PRO: 8,3 hours
DIY: 11 hours